undue

[ uhn-doo, -dyoo ]

adjective

1. unwarranted; excessive:

   undue haste.

2. inappropriate; unjustifiable; improper:

   undue influence.

3. not owed or currently payable.

undue

/ ʌnˈdjuː /

adjective

1. excessive or unwarranted
2. unjust, improper, or illegal
3. (of a debt, bond, etc) not yet payable

Usage

The use of undue in sentences such as there is no cause for undue alarm is redundant and should be avoided

Word History and Origins

Origin of undue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, undue is from the Middle English word undewe. See un- ¹, due

Example Sentences

In its interim report into infant formula, the CMA suggested better education about formula so that parents are not swayed by undue loyalty due to advertising by a brand.

From BBC

The second is the threat of undue political influence by Trump that could impinge on the Fed’s independence.

From Los Angeles Times

“So that you’re not putting undue stress on the surgery that you just performed.”

From Los Angeles Times

The opinion preserved the essence of Roe, but somewhat narrowed its terms to allow certain restrictions on abortion access unless they imposed an “undue burden.”

From Los Angeles Times

Such were the performances of those around him, there was no sense of waiting for Bradley, again captaining the side at 21-years-old, to exert undue influence over the game.

From BBC

Related Words

• disproportionate
• extreme
• improper
• inappropriate
• inordinate
• needless
• too much
• unconscionable
• undeserved
• unfair
• unjust
• unjustifiable
• unjustified
• unreasonable
• unseemly
• untimely
• unwarranted